BTS’ Kim Taehyung aka V shocked after private messages with Min Hee Jin get exposed. 'I had no intention...'

BTS member Kim Taehyung, also known as V, has spoken out after private messages he exchanged with former ADOR CEO Min Hee‑jin were reportedly submitted as evidence in a legal case against HYBE, his own company. The singer made his feelings clear on Instagram, expressing surprise and concern that conversations meant to be private were now part of public court documents.

On his Instagram Story, Taehyung wrote: “This is part of a private everyday conversation that I shared with empathy because they were my acquaintance. I have absolutely no intention of taking sides with either party. However, I feel extremely disturbed that this conversation was submitted as evidence without my consent.”

He emphasized that the messages were ordinary chats and that he never intended to get involved in the dispute. In another statement, he said: “It was part of a private, everyday conversation that we shared because we were acquaintances. I had no intention of taking anyone’s side. I am very taken aback that this conversation was submitted as evidence without any prior discussion or consent.”


Fans of BTS, known as ARMYs, quickly rallied behind V online, sharing messages of support and urging that his privacy be respected. Some highlighted the timing of the messages surfacing, noting that BTS is preparing for their upcoming album, Arirang, set to release on March 20, 2025.

What the Messages Contained

Reports indicate that the messages were about plagiarism concerns in the K‑pop industry, specifically involving HYBE’s rookie girl group ILLIT. V reportedly responded to Min Hee‑jin’s comments, saying, “They always talk about plagiarism issues, but not even once has it ever reached me. Oh, I see I looked at it too, and it seemed similar.

That’s what I said.” These exchanges, meant to be personal opinions shared in confidence, were later submitted in court proceedings related to a shareholder agreement dispute between Min Hee‑jin and HYBE.

Background of the Dispute

The legal fight between HYBE and Min Hee‑jin stems from her departure as CEO of ADOR in August 2024 and disagreements over a shareholder agreement. Min claimed that HYBE’s actions, including audits and pressure to resign, were unfair, while HYBE alleged that she tried to take control of ADOR improperly. In February 2026, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in Min’s favor, ordering HYBE to pay approximately 25.5 billion KRW (around $18 million USD) in stock proceeds under her put option. HYBE has since filed an appeal.


Even though V had no role in the dispute, his messages became part of the case because they supported Min’s argument that her concerns over plagiarism were a legitimate opinion. This unexpected exposure has left him in an awkward position as a BTS member under HYBE.

ARMYs have trended hashtags like #ProtectTaehyung and #HYBEProtectTaehyung, stressing that private conversations should not be used in legal battles without consent. Many noted that the timing, just before BTS’ comeback, makes the situation even more stressful for V. The group is set to perform a free live concert in Seoul on March 21, 2026, following the album release, and Netflix will release a documentary titled BTS: THE RETURN on March 27, 2026.